Patient Stories Blog - Page 4
By Adam Pick
Julie’s Smiling Scar Selfie Goes Viral!
By Adam Pick on May 24, 2018
Thanks to Julie… I’m having another “Holy Moly” moment.
My Cardiologist Was Absolutely Wrong!!!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: February 28, 2025
Yikes! Ugh! Gasp! Ready to learn why patient education and patient advocacy is so important for patients with heart valve disease?
Would Alan Play Hockey Again After Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on March 21, 2018
His passion was hockey. His diagnosis was severe heart valve disease. His fear… Never playing hockey again.
Medical Mission Update: In Haiti, Berthony Gets A “Second Chance” At Life
By Adam Pick on November 29, 2017
I’ve witnessed it first hand…
John’s Photos Go Viral With 5,300 Facebook Likes!
By Adam Pick on October 24, 2017
The power of our patient community never ceases to amaze me. You guys and gals are simply amazing!!!
Barry’s Patient Advice: Find The Best Heart Surgeon for You!
By Adam Pick on October 1, 2017
I have to congratulate Barry for being his own… best… patient advocate.
What Happened When 60 Patients & Caregivers Met for “Patient Day 2017” at Edwards Lifesciences?
By Adam Pick on June 7, 2017
Something special recently happened. More than 60 patients and their care partners traveled to Edwards Lifesciences, a leading heart valve manufacturer in Irvine, California, to meet each other, to share their stories and to inspire action within our community – the heart valve patient community.
Jimmy Kimmel Opens Up About His Newborn Son’s Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on May 4, 2017
As a dad… As a heart valve patient… I need to say “Thank You!” to Jimmy Kimmel for sharing this emotional and inspirational story about Billy, his newborn son.
A First… We’re On Boomer TV! Thanks Steve!
By Adam Pick on March 30, 2017
This is completely unexpected and amazing! Our website was just mentioned in an interview with Steve Nicklin, a heart valve patient from Washington DC, who had successful surgery with Dr. Marc Gerdisch in Indiana. (So you know, Dr. Gerdisch has treated many patients from our community.)
At the Marathon Finish Line, Phil Held This Up!
By Adam Pick on December 9, 2016
A BIG question patients ask me prior to heart valve surgery is, “Will I be able to do the things I love after surgery?”
What Happened When 100 Patients & Caregivers Met for “Patient Day 2016” at Edwards Lifesciences?
By Adam Pick on August 25, 2016
Something special recently happened. More than 100 patients and their care partners traveled to Edwards Lifesciences, a leading heart valve manufacturer in Irvine, California, to meet each other, to share their stories and to inspire action within our community – the heart valve patient community.
Leilani is a Heart Warrior Princess!
By Adam Pick on May 24, 2016
How would you react if you learned that your unborn child was suffering from a life-threatening disease known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome? What would you do? Who would you turn to?
Guest Blog: Just 10 Months After Heart Valve Surgery, Fran Conquers The Gulf Coast Triathlon
By Adam Pick on May 16, 2016
The pictures show Fran’s transformation…
From Immediate Bed Rest to a “Valve-in-Valve” Procedure, This Is Jesse’s Story
By Adam Pick on March 18, 2016
Jesse had been put on immediate bed rest. Jesse had not one… But, two heart surgeries. Then, he needed a third. Jesse learned of a new technology known as a “Valve-in-Valve” procedure that was in clinical trials. This is his story.
Chicago Bulls Coach, Fred Hoiberg, Opens Up About His Heart Valve Surgery
By Adam Pick on January 13, 2016
Imagine your childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player has come true. Imagine you are leading the NBA in 3-point shooting. Imagine you are in the prime of your career. Then… Imagine you are unexpectedly diagnosed with a life-threatening aortic aneurysm due to a bicuspid aortic valve.
At Edwards Lifesciences Patient Day 2015, Stewart Gully Can’t Hold Back Tears of Joy!
By Adam Pick on November 17, 2015
At Edwards Lifesciences Patient Day 2015, Stewart Gully can’t hold back tears of joy, thankfulness and appreciation.
At 14,505 Feet, Dave is a Mountain of Inspiration!
By Adam Pick on September 22, 2015
A man. A bicuspid aortic valve. A heart valve surgery. A mountain of inspiration.
What Happened When 100 Heart Valve Patients & Caregivers Met for “Patient Day” at Edwards Lifesciences?
By Adam Pick on September 2, 2015
When I started this website nine years ago, I had a dream. My dream was that someday heart valve patients would connect in real-time to share their experiences as a community.
Patient Week Finale: In the Dominican Republic, Dionicio Gets a “Second Chance” at Life!
By Adam Pick on July 19, 2015
We’re excited to wrap up our first “Patient Success Week” with a story of hope!
Patient Success Week: Thanks to Her Dad’s Memory, Sophie Got the Screening & Treatment She Needed!
By Adam Pick on July 18, 2015
After the unfortunate loss of her dad to a heart attack, Sophie Marsh decided it was time to see a cardiologist for a heart disease screening. The test results surprised Sophie, Geoff, her husband, and their two daughters.
Upcoming Surgeries
Joanne Heckmann
Mitral Regurgitation
March 12, 2025
Michael Ponzio
Aortic Stenosis
March 19, 2025
Matthew Banta
Aortic Regurgitation
April 1, 2025
Adam's Video Library
Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam’s video library.
